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St. Patrick's Day
The feast of Ireland's patron saint, missionary, bishop, and apostle of the Irish.
March 17
Why It Matters
St. Patrick's Day honors the death of Saint Patrick (fifth century CE), the patron saint of Ireland, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. According to legend, he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity.
How It Is Observed
Church services, wearing green, parades worldwide (New York, Dublin, Chicago), in Ireland a national holiday. The Lenten fast is traditionally lifted for the day.
Sacred Text
“I am greatly in debt to God. He gave me such great grace, that through me, many people should be born again in God and brought to full life.”
, Confessio of St. Patrick, 38 ↗